An activist youth group called on the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to “make urgent responses” that would help eliminate the predatory behaviour in schools.
Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan (SPARK) is also urging the leadership of DepEd and CHED to be “proactive in the fight against rape culture and gender violence” in schools.
According to SPARK, incidents of sexual violence and harassment in schools are not isolated cases “because the same problem prevails in other facilities as well.”
While school administrations are mandated to create their Committee on Decorum and Investigation (CODI) in line with the Safe Spaces Act of 2019 to address possible cases of sexual harassment in schools, the group maintained that DepEd and CHED – as the main agencies mandated to promote quality education – “must take the lead in ensuring that our learning environments are inclusive and safe” whether online or offline.
“Their silence only enables the continued suffering of victim-survivors and allows campus predators to victimize more members of our communities,” SPARK stated.
At the same time, SPARK has voiced its support for all survivors of gender-based violence and abuse. “We stand with you in your journey towards justice and healing,” the group added.
The activist youth group also urged the administration of the FEUHS to address the “horrible and unacceptable situation” by holding the “perpetrators accountable” by ensuring that their professional licenses are revoked and to assist students and alumni in filing legal complaints as necessary.
The group also urged FEUHS administration “issue a genuine apology for its gross negligence and failure to fulfill its duty of care, enabling the conditions for their students to be victimized.”
